Thursday, January 11, 2007

21,500 troops plus one

Additional troops being sent to Iraq…. It’s just a number for lots of people but for my family it’s a son, a husband, a father, and my brother.

This will be his 3rd tour in Iraq.

It’s hard not to be angry and disgusted and helpless. I’m going to draft a letter to write to my congresspeoples (living in MD I finally have representation!), but it seems so ineffectual. I didn’t vote for this president. I’ve never supported this war and never got the need for the invasion even in those unsettling days right after the pentagon/wtc attack.

With family over there I have to pay attention to the daily bombings and attacks, it’s like a constant rock in my gut. I wish there was some sort of hope. I wish the magical democracy that the president speaks of that could settle upon the land quelling the violence like pixie dust.

I’ll write a letter and hope for some sort of closure… I doubt it will come.

10 comments:

gayborhood gringo said...

I can't really say anything that will make you feel better, but you and your family will be in my thoughts.

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

Oh ... I am so sorry... I could not imagine a loved one going over to that HELL HOLE ...

I pray for our troops every single day ... I just couldn't imagine having to go there and deal with those CRAZIES!!! That place is one mell of a hess.

I promise to keep your family in my daily prayers.... and pray for his safety while there his safe return.

Considered yourself hugged...
I'm sorry.

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

"and FOR his safe return"..
someday I'll proof read before I send..... dooyyyyyy

Bacchus said...

I think those of us with family who've served were just horrified that they may have to go back. I haven't asked my sister what the soldiers are thinking but I can imagine.

Let's work for the safe return of our families and loved ones.

My thoughts go out for your brother.

Minge said...

You need to have a revolution and send Dubya to the International War Crimes court.

I'm so sorry about your brother. My brother was in Iraq the first time around and I know exactly how you are feeling. Thoughts are with you.

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

Mike was in the first Gulf War ~ Air Force ...

BUT HE SAID THAT WAR WAS NOTHING LIKE THIS WAR ... people weren't blowing themselves all over the place ... He said we should have taken care of "SoDamnInsane" way back then... We sure are in a mess now. It's so sad.

Anonymous said...

Damn. It was a emotional roller coaster for me to be called up for Desert Storm...

three tours of duty in this miserable war is unimaginable.

Thoughts are with yoU!

BriteYellowGun said...

My older brother actually lives in the Middle East...by choice...and he loves it! We all worry about him all the time but he insists the country he resides in is pretty safe and pro-US..for the most part. Still, it's a turbulent part of the world for anyone to be. I understand your worry and concern completely. We can only hope this idiotic mess comes to an end sooner rather than later.

Mike said...

Gosh, Brian, that must be rough. I can't say I'd experienced that, but I do remember my older brothers checking their draft numbers in the newspaper. It prompted one of them to join the Navy. Luckily, he spent the Vietnam Era in Spain and not Da Nang. I hope only the best for you brother and family.

Moncrief Speaks said...

You and your family are in my thoughts, Brian. I hate this war.